I believe that -- in popular lexicon -- there is a difference between the fundamentalism you speak of, and that which was addressed in the question. Further, if you simply look up the synonyms to "fundametlaist", you will find the entry of "Fanatic". Perhaps the term "Orthodox" applies better to that of which you speak. For, now when we speak of fundamentalist, we usually mean one who takes their religious interpretations to fanatical hights, killing or supporting killing (or would you not agree)?

I agree, that in popular lexicon, that fundamentalist and fanatic are easily exchangeable, and that to be more exact in popular culture it would be better to use the word orthodox instead of fundamentalist. I also agree that most people when they think of a fundamentalist think of someone who lives strictly by the laws of thier religion.
However, my arguement was that Chomsky himself wasn't using the popular lexicon usage, but rather the literal meaning of the word, which is why I gave it.


Perhaps I will leave that at that, and seek to address the rest of your reply. Because you point out instances such as movements againsts "drugs" and "fire-arms" as indicative of fundamentalism. Yet, as near as I can tell, fundamentlism is not at the heart of these movements. For instance, the secular Left is for gun control in our society; the political Left being the least fundamentalist (by your definition) in the US. But so too, by the other two examples, one could not possibly accept Chomsky's claim that the US is the or one of the most fundamentalist cultures. I am sure you do not need me to point out the appeal of guns, sex and drugs in the popular culture of the US. Indeed, the culture of the US (I might argue) is less fundamentalist than certain sections of the political party now in power. The culture is not. Turn on your television; it cannot be escaped, sadly. And I do not say sadly due to fundamentalism, but simply to do a desire for a break in monotony.

Thanks for the reply, and regards,

Fan

My remarks in regards to the US popular culture as being fundamentalist is not being restrictive or definitive of a group, but a qualativation (possibly a new word here) of all the groups. My stance is that any group with a set of beliefs that they live by is by definition a fundamentalist group. The far left are fundamentalists because of thier strives to get rid of firearms, discrimination, and drugs. They belive that these things are in and of themselves bad for our society. The far right belives the current state, the status quo, is the right thing, and should not change. My usage of fundamentalists apply to both groups, they both live by a set of rules that governs thier daily life and activities.

Now as for the use of guns, drugs, and sex in the media in order to get the attention of people. These things sell because there is a lot of interist in them, and that is why US media is inundated with these ideas. Not because there is an ever growing number of people who live thier lives by the gun, drugs, or sex, but because people are intrigued by them. People watch horror movies because it's exciting to be scared, or in some cases the horror is so poorly done that it's absolutly absurdly hillarious. Does this mean that the people who go out to see horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street are all mass murders? No. These things are used explictly to draw attention. How much attention does an uneventful walk accross the street draw? People look for things to excite them. People who dislike violence go to see violent movies so they can say "Look, this movie is bad for people, it makes them do violent crimes." The movie industry doesn't care why someone is going to see the movie, they just care that someone is going to see it. If movies about buying groceries drew crowds, you would see a huge trend in the entertainment industry centered around grocery stores.

Basically, my claim is that for you to not be a fundamentalist, you'd have to hold to no beliefs whatsoever. In any given instance you would do whatever took your fancy, whether it was right or wrong, or the Army way. (I've always loved the saying "There are three ways of doing a thing, the right way, the wrong way, and the Army way.&quot